The Villa

May 6, 2008

April 19, 2008

Back at Floridiana we bid farewell to Agnes and lugged our suitcases all the way up to the parking garage. What a job! I huffed and puffed my way down the stairs and up the narrow street to the parking garage. Was overjoyed with relief to get Gianluca in my crosshairs. A quick pet of a shaggy sheep dog named Henry and we were off with sister at the wheel. Back down the permit-only pedestrian walkway and out onto the treacherous coast road towards Praiano. 20 minutes to drive 12 kilometers. THAT’S how narrow and twisted the road is. The drive there was easy enough, but finding the villa had us chasing our tails. We drove up one narrow street after another and finally arrived at a beautifully scenic dead-end with about 4 inches to turn around in. All that separated us from going over the cliff and down into that vast blue sea was a ridiculously flimsy white iron fence. I closed my eyes, kept my mouth shut, and hoped the car would not choose now to pop out of automatic into manual and lurch forward. Sister got us back on the right path, but not without profuse palm sweating and gritting of her teeth.

We stopped to ask directions twice with a combination of sign language and pointing to the map. Once they were given in Italian by a kind man holding a baby, and later by an older man and woman tending their gardens by the side of the road. We didn’t understand them, but we appreciated their enthusiasm in wanting to help. Eventually we met up with Fortunata and 62 Via Umberto Prima.
Tonight we cooked fusili with roasted tomatoes and freshly grated parmesean bought at the small grocer down the street. Also fresh salad and rustic rolls that make my heart sing. Sister drank her wine and I sipped my Prosecco in front of the big wooden table we’ve moved in front of the french doors. All this while watching the full moon, spotlight-bright, rise up over the water.
April 20, 2008

Slept late and piddled around all day in the hot sun on the terraces.
There are many chairs to choose from and I intend to sit in every one of them.
We began with breakfast. Deep red strawberries and Italian coffee. The plain yogurt is delicate and sweet.
Took all of our journal supplies to the side terrace and spread everything out on the table. Sister has made wise use of the broiler pan in the oven to tote our stuff around. Filtered sunlight came down through the bamboo pergola. The geraniums, begonia, and lemons hanging fat on the tree are jewel-like set against the blue backdrop of sea. Yellow, red, hot pink lighting up the terrace like Christmas lights!

In the late afternoon we relocated to the front terrace.
Our American Airlines ponchos are proving to be quite useful in the cool mornings and evenings.
Recording all of these entries while sitting in such luxurious surroundings is a rare experience and one I will remember for a long long time. Just now as I right this at the dining room table in front of the glass doors, a full moon in a lightly clouded sky is glittering on the dark water.

I incorporated a small folder Randi made me for my birthday into the travel journal. Perfect to store extra postcards and receipts.

I’ll write a brilliant and witty “comment” here as soon as I regain consciousness. The Beauty may just Blind me. If it does, it’s up to you to teach me how to Travel Journal by feel.
Bravo again..to you , Sis and the Country of Bliss
Lisa H.

Mary Ann, I shared your blog with a non-blogging friend of mine. We had been discussing her upcoming trip to an Italian inspired Villa in North GA with her mom for Mother’s Day. Thought you’d appreciate her response:
“It brought tears to my eyes. Amazing!”

Well Mary Ann,
It certainly looks like you had an amazing journey. The photos are beautiful and thoughtfully chosen, as is your commentary.
There is no doubt that you had the proper journaling supplies.
Where to next?

you 2 are the best. thanks for sharing. i have 3 sisters, we all meet up in Seal Beach where one of us lives. every summer together! what fun for you to share. loooooooooooove the pics. thanks and love, wanda

You look smittenly happy with your journal table set up to play, Sister at your side, camera self-timer in swing….and the roasting pan of creative goodies cracked me up…. oooooh, love Disstress Ink, mmmm…Martha Stuart glue stick….uh, that must be “Ancient Page”, by the ergonomic curve(-never used that brand). What a life!

Great genes of practicality in your family – I Love the AA blanket ponchos & the broiler pan tray for art materials! And just HOW MANY patios did you have at that villa? They all look so Divinely Dreamy – as do the tomatoes, er, i pomidori!! Perfect breakfast too. Oh well, perfect place, that’s all there is to it! Viva Italia!!! La dolce vita!!! S.

Jamie – I found the villa at http://www.villeinitalia.com/ and would definitely use this service again. They made everything very simple and they have villas in a good range of prices. Whenever I travel to Europe or Mexico I prefer to rent houses if I’ll be in one location long enough. We did the same in Rome. In the past I’ve also rented from http://www.vrbo.com/ Vacation Rentals By Owner. Most of the time you can rent an apartment or house for LESS than the cost of a tiny hotel room. Really.

Ok, if I can’t go…can you at least tell me how you came about finding that place? The view is splendid and that table…oh, the big chunky wooden table out on the terrace. It’s just all so lovely and dreamlike.